XJS - Which one?
Discussion
Hi all, I am looking for some help with a potential purchase. I have always yearned for a XJS, & now my age is clocking up (58 same as my partner), we would like a useable classic for weekend runs, shows & events, & see it as a perfect time to try these beautiful cars. I have owned 3 Jags in the past, a Series 11 4.2 XJ6 about 30 years ago, a XJR about 8 years ago & a S Type 3.0 manual about 5 years ago, & have to confess to loving the bones of them (should that be chassis)?
We have an Astra van for mundane duties, a MR2 Roadster that is an everyday car for nipping around, & feel that the time is right to experience & hopefully keep one of these cars for a long time.
We have no interest in the soft top or cabriolet, much preferring the coupe, but have no idea whether to look at older cars or the newer 4 litre/6 litre jobbies. Left to my own devices I would no doubt go for a V12, but I understand that might not be the most sensible of moves. If it comes down to early cars we prefer the lighter colours, I think the back lights look more elegant than the later back light treatment that stretches right across the rear, but then again that arrangement works better with darker colours.
Does anyone have any pointers to offer, i.e. what to look for, best engine, is a manual box totally no cricket old boy, common problems, are they all ruinous etc?
Budget will be from say 8k to a max of 11k, are they all rotten at this price point?
I can do some spannering myself, but I also have a good independent guy who has looked after a lot of my cars with jobs I can't handle & I trust his work & his ability to not rape my wallet!
If anyone has any info I would be very grateful.
Brook.
We have an Astra van for mundane duties, a MR2 Roadster that is an everyday car for nipping around, & feel that the time is right to experience & hopefully keep one of these cars for a long time.
We have no interest in the soft top or cabriolet, much preferring the coupe, but have no idea whether to look at older cars or the newer 4 litre/6 litre jobbies. Left to my own devices I would no doubt go for a V12, but I understand that might not be the most sensible of moves. If it comes down to early cars we prefer the lighter colours, I think the back lights look more elegant than the later back light treatment that stretches right across the rear, but then again that arrangement works better with darker colours.
Does anyone have any pointers to offer, i.e. what to look for, best engine, is a manual box totally no cricket old boy, common problems, are they all ruinous etc?
Budget will be from say 8k to a max of 11k, are they all rotten at this price point?
I can do some spannering myself, but I also have a good independent guy who has looked after a lot of my cars with jobs I can't handle & I trust his work & his ability to not rape my wallet!
If anyone has any info I would be very grateful.
Brook.
Hi LewG, looking at your pictures it certainly is interesting, do you have any interior pictures please?
When you say shortly when do you think you will be ready to sell?
I was probably looking to buy in 6 or 8 weeks or so rather than now as my partner is moving in with me & we have a lot to do, selling her house which is over an hour from me & decorating and the like, so would that timeline fit in with your thinking?
When you say shortly when do you think you will be ready to sell?
I was probably looking to buy in 6 or 8 weeks or so rather than now as my partner is moving in with me & we have a lot to do, selling her house which is over an hour from me & decorating and the like, so would that timeline fit in with your thinking?
Thanks for the pictures, it certainly does look like a good one. I went to look at 3 yesterday that are in a local auction later this month & from what I can see yours knocks them for 6.
If you prefer we can talk privately about this but I am very serious about this & even though I can't buy right this minute I would like to view the car any weekend to suit you & if a sale suits us both then perhaps a gentlemans agreement & a deposit could reserve the car until we are both ready?
Brook.
If you prefer we can talk privately about this but I am very serious about this & even though I can't buy right this minute I would like to view the car any weekend to suit you & if a sale suits us both then perhaps a gentlemans agreement & a deposit could reserve the car until we are both ready?
Brook.
Mopar440 said:
What a lovely thread! Isn't it nice when thing work out? With all the usual PH piss-taking and bo||ox that seems to be regarded now as the "norm", here is a thread started by an enthusiast, replied to by enthusiasts, and (hopefully) with a result that will keep both enthusiasts, err.., enthusiastic!
What a breath of fresh air. This is the real PH!
Agreed, in my opinion this is what a car enthusiasts forum is all about, all the stupid name calling & posturing & contrary posting really puts me off certain sections of this site.What a breath of fresh air. This is the real PH!
LewG said:
That sounds good to me Brook, just let me know when you have a free day and I'll be around. There are a few last niggly little jobs I'd like to sort on it so your timescale sounds super as it means there's no hurry.
Hooli you're too kind! As John quite rightly says you need to find one that's had TLC right the way through its life. The second owner of mine from 1990-99 was the managing director of Rolls Royce diesel engines, he obviously lavished a lot of money on it in his ownership and I doubt it'd be in as good condition today if it wasn't for him.
OK Lew that sounds great. Even though we both agree re timescale I am of the mind that we could take advantage of this fantastic weather & come up this weekend if you don't mind?Hooli you're too kind! As John quite rightly says you need to find one that's had TLC right the way through its life. The second owner of mine from 1990-99 was the managing director of Rolls Royce diesel engines, he obviously lavished a lot of money on it in his ownership and I doubt it'd be in as good condition today if it wasn't for him.
M4SER said:
Q 
I went for one of the pre HE examples because I love their purity and lack of wood in the cabin, the engine feels sharper too. The tricky bit is there's very few good examples around (mine is a one owner, 30,000 and unrestored car), so going for an early HE XJS gives you much more choice and they are still great to cruise around in, hence why many have plenty of miles on them.
I also have a '77 manual XJS, which isn't as tidy as the one in the photos but I've never seen another pre HE RHD manual for sale (or at an event) in years, so finding one is next to impossible. I actually prefer driving the auto anyway but the manual is quite intriguing to have around.
That looks a lovely example too M4SER, although I have to admit to being a sucker for the traditional wood Jaguar interiors.I went for one of the pre HE examples because I love their purity and lack of wood in the cabin, the engine feels sharper too. The tricky bit is there's very few good examples around (mine is a one owner, 30,000 and unrestored car), so going for an early HE XJS gives you much more choice and they are still great to cruise around in, hence why many have plenty of miles on them.
I also have a '77 manual XJS, which isn't as tidy as the one in the photos but I've never seen another pre HE RHD manual for sale (or at an event) in years, so finding one is next to impossible. I actually prefer driving the auto anyway but the manual is quite intriguing to have around.
Edited by M4SER on Wednesday 15th April 12:33
John, the car in the link you provided would scare the life out of me at my age!
LewG said:
Thanks! Definitely too many thirsty toys 
Yes Brook that would be great, Saturday looks to be nice weather all day? Unfortunately we won't be able to go for a drive as it's not taxed and I've swapped the insurance policy onto my new car, there is a bit of yard space to drive it round though.
Replied to your mail Lew.Yes Brook that would be great, Saturday looks to be nice weather all day? Unfortunately we won't be able to go for a drive as it's not taxed and I've swapped the insurance policy onto my new car, there is a bit of yard space to drive it round though.
Ok then, time to update this thread with what happened when I went to view Lewis's XJS at the weekend.
First of all I will say that while looking at the different engine/gearbox configurations I decided I wanted a V12, & as the manuals are rare as hell conceded to myself I would be sort of happy with the auto 'box. I have never in all my adult life given a negative though to economy, & I didn't think that would change, but the more I thought about it the more that little sod perched on my shoulder whispered how ruinous it would be, particularly because although I live in Poole I am from Sheffield, & go back fairly often, so a 500 mile round trip was going to cost around £160 in fuel, & that made me wince a bit.
However, I digress. When I arrived at Lewis's the car was sat there, all nice & shiny & looking gorgeous, with Lewis at the side with an expression on his face which said "I am not sure I am doing the right thing here". After a few walk rounds & lots of questions I finally sat in her & started her up, which was on the first turn of the key, a beautiful deep purr & rock steady idle. As I looked around the interior it was clear that the car had been treated very well all through its life, the veneers were food, the seats were great, the headlining brand new, & I knew I would kick myself if I let it get away.
However, Lewis had a pal, also called Lewis, who also had a XJS, this time being a manual 3.6 straight 6, & we had arranged to go to see his car too, & we followed Lewis who took us there in his bright red TVR Chimaera, wow what a lucky guy! Once there he bade us farewell until we would speak later about the prospective purchase.
So, just about the only thing I had decided for sure was I didn't want a red car, & sure enough when the car backed out of the garage from under it's dust sheet it was, of course, red. It also looked fan-bloody-tastic, with a sound track to match.
Once more we took time going over the car, & again it was clear that this car had also led a very pampered life, it was just as immaculate as the other car. I looked at Julie, my partner, & we both said together, "but we don't want a red car, do we?"
After a test drive & plenty more questions Lewis 2 showed us the reams of history that came with the car, but by that time the decision was made, it was the red car for me!
So we made a deal, agreed on a time frame for sorting out a couple of niggles & coming back for it, & that was that.
When I got back I sent Lewis 1 an email (it was late & I didn't want Lewis 1 to hear it from Lewis 2 before I had let him know which car we were going with), explaining that we felt uncomfortable but ultimately we had made our choice. I do not deny that fuel economy played a part in the decision making, but I felt that the manual car would suit my driving style more, but the clincher for me was that despite not wanting a red car, it looked so dramatic & beautiful I bought it because it was red.
I cannot fault the silver/green V12 by the way, if you want one it is a very very good one.
I also would like to add there is quite a big age gap between myself & both Lewis's, but their obvious love of cars, enthusiasm & good manners made it a pleasure to spend some time with them, They are both fine young men.
So I suppose I may as well post a couple of pictures now, done by the present owner of course. We hope to be able to pick her up in around 6/8 weeks, & it will be murder!
First of all I will say that while looking at the different engine/gearbox configurations I decided I wanted a V12, & as the manuals are rare as hell conceded to myself I would be sort of happy with the auto 'box. I have never in all my adult life given a negative though to economy, & I didn't think that would change, but the more I thought about it the more that little sod perched on my shoulder whispered how ruinous it would be, particularly because although I live in Poole I am from Sheffield, & go back fairly often, so a 500 mile round trip was going to cost around £160 in fuel, & that made me wince a bit.
However, I digress. When I arrived at Lewis's the car was sat there, all nice & shiny & looking gorgeous, with Lewis at the side with an expression on his face which said "I am not sure I am doing the right thing here". After a few walk rounds & lots of questions I finally sat in her & started her up, which was on the first turn of the key, a beautiful deep purr & rock steady idle. As I looked around the interior it was clear that the car had been treated very well all through its life, the veneers were food, the seats were great, the headlining brand new, & I knew I would kick myself if I let it get away.
However, Lewis had a pal, also called Lewis, who also had a XJS, this time being a manual 3.6 straight 6, & we had arranged to go to see his car too, & we followed Lewis who took us there in his bright red TVR Chimaera, wow what a lucky guy! Once there he bade us farewell until we would speak later about the prospective purchase.
So, just about the only thing I had decided for sure was I didn't want a red car, & sure enough when the car backed out of the garage from under it's dust sheet it was, of course, red. It also looked fan-bloody-tastic, with a sound track to match.
Once more we took time going over the car, & again it was clear that this car had also led a very pampered life, it was just as immaculate as the other car. I looked at Julie, my partner, & we both said together, "but we don't want a red car, do we?"
After a test drive & plenty more questions Lewis 2 showed us the reams of history that came with the car, but by that time the decision was made, it was the red car for me!
So we made a deal, agreed on a time frame for sorting out a couple of niggles & coming back for it, & that was that.
When I got back I sent Lewis 1 an email (it was late & I didn't want Lewis 1 to hear it from Lewis 2 before I had let him know which car we were going with), explaining that we felt uncomfortable but ultimately we had made our choice. I do not deny that fuel economy played a part in the decision making, but I felt that the manual car would suit my driving style more, but the clincher for me was that despite not wanting a red car, it looked so dramatic & beautiful I bought it because it was red.
I cannot fault the silver/green V12 by the way, if you want one it is a very very good one.
I also would like to add there is quite a big age gap between myself & both Lewis's, but their obvious love of cars, enthusiasm & good manners made it a pleasure to spend some time with them, They are both fine young men.
So I suppose I may as well post a couple of pictures now, done by the present owner of course. We hope to be able to pick her up in around 6/8 weeks, & it will be murder!
johnxjsc1985 said:
I have yet to see a cream leather car with a good interior the cream deteriorates much quicker than the black it shows wear and tear far sooner than the black. i agree about the old Red Leather from the 60's you cant beat it
I believe the colour is actually oatmeal not cream, and is in very good condition with very little creasing visible. When I was younger I always went for black interiors myself, but these days much prefer the contrast between red and cream/oatmeal, it stops the cabin from being dreary and dark IMO.Then again, a light coloured car like white or variations on silver from blues to greens, will look much better with a black interior. Again purely my opinion, it wouldn't do for us all to like the same thing.
johnxjsc1985 said:
I have yet to see a cream leather car with a good interior the cream deteriorates much quicker than the black it shows wear and tear far sooner than the black. i agree about the old Red Leather from the 60's you cant beat it
I have tried to blow the picture up John but this seems to be the best I can do. I hope you can see there are very few creases?
johnxjsc1985 said:
Wasn't criticising your car mate its a peach and a credit to you.But look at other cars on Ebay.
I used to work for a well known Leather retailers now defunct and most complaints came on light coloured suites.
Oh yes I understand that John, although the credit goes to Lewis and the other previous for looking after it so well.I used to work for a well known Leather retailers now defunct and most complaints came on light coloured suites.
In general terms though I agree with you, I have looked at a few down here and they all showed a lot of aging and long deep creases. As a former TVR owner though I think the Jag seats fair better than the Chimaera for example over time.
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